The Oboz Bridger is my go-to hiking boot for moderate to difficult trails. I've logged more than 2500 miles in Bridgers, mostly in "Rocksylvania," the place (Bill Bryson quipped) "where boots go to die." That means I know how they hold up (to gnarly terrain) and how they stack up (to other brands). Of course, just because they've delivered for me doesn't mean that they're necessarily the best boots for you. So. my Oboz Bridger review breaks down the support, weight, comfort, waterproofing, traction, fit, durability, and value of Oboz's flagship hiking and backpacking boot.
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry
hiking Pennsylvania's Golden Eagle Trail in the Oboz Bridger
The Bridger is Oboz's flagship hiking boot. And for good reason. It's a versatile hiking boot that's burly enough for backpacking yet comfortable enough for day hiking. Think of it this way: If hiking boots were football players, the Bridger would be the middle linebacker. It's muscular enough to compete with bigger, heavier lineman (backpacking boots) but also athletic enough to run with tight ends and running backs (hiking shoes). A classic, mid-duty hiking boot.
Oboz offers the Bridger as a mid-cut hiking boot and low-cut hiking shoe for men and women:
The Oboz Bridger is a good hiking boot for men and women who value durability and support over weight savings. It's also a good hiking boot for those who want one boot for both day hiking and backpacking. Oboz hiking boots aren't light. However, the Bridger is the most durable hiking boot that I've owned, and it offers solid value with above average comfort, support, and performance for less than $200.
Oboz Bridger Review
My Oboz Bridger review is based on more than 2500 miles of experience in the Bridger. Most of those hikes have been moderate to difficult day hikes in the "ridges and valleys" region of Pennsylvania. That's a great area filled with steep climbs, rocky ridgelines, and blueberry bogs to test the support, comfort, waterproofing, and value of the Oboz Bridger.
Hiking Pennsylvania in Oboz Bridge Mid hiking boots
Support
GOOD
Most hikers and backpackers choose hiking boots for their support. The Oboz Bridger Mid provides moderate foot and ankle protection with
It's not the tallest boot. But its solid construction and torsional rigidity (resistance to side to side twisting) should support hikers (like me) who need extra foot and ankle support. I've hiked more than 2000 miles in Bridgers without an ankle issue—and I have a history of sprained ankles.
Oboz Bridger Premium in full-grain leather
Weight
AVERAGE MID-WEIGHT
The Bridger has average weight for a mid-duty hiking boot. Depending on your size and gender, these weigh approximately 2.5+pounds per pair. (My bigger size 12 wide weighs 2 pounds, 11 ounces per pair.) If you're all about the ounces, you probably want a lighter boot (with less support, cushion, and durability). If you're more about support, comfort, and durability, this is a solid, mid-weight hiking boot.
Comfort
BIG PLUS
In my experience, Oboz has the most comfortable footbeds in the outdoor industry. It's the only brand that builds their hiking boots around an up-market insole that really cushions and cradles your feet. Approaching orthotic quality, their O FIT insoles feature legitimate arch support, a deep and reinforced heel cup, and dense EVA foam that adds stability and cushioning. Those insoles (which retail for $30) are a big step up from the crappy foam insoles in most hiking boots.
And that's just the start. Those insoles sit on cushy EVA midsoles and sturdy outsoles supported by a stiff TPU chassis. That all adds up to a stable and well cushioned ride that spares your feet and ankles from plenty of pounding on the trail. It's one of the best footbeds in hiking footwear—a soft-yet-sturdy base that works well for my messed up feet and ankles.
Fit
STANDARD FIT (WITH WIDES AVAILABLE)
The Oboz Bridger fits true to size with a fit that works for a wider range of feet than many brands.
Oboz feature a sculped fit in the heel with a standard fit in the midfoot and toe box. (If you've had heel slippage in other brands, you might give these a go.) Their regular sizes tend to work for average to slightly narrow feet. But the Bridger is also available in wide, which provides more room in the forefoot and toe box. That means the Oboz Bridger may fit slightly narrow to moderately wide feet—a wider range than most hiking boot brands.
Most hikers should buy the Bridger a half-size larger than their everyday shoe sizes. For the best fit, follow my fitting and sizing guide.
Traction
GREAT DOWNHILL TRACTION
I'm a fan of the aggressive traction on the Oboz Bridger. Oboz's "Granite Peak" outsoles feature a deep heel brake and deep lugs with angular ridges that dig in to soft or loose surfaces. This tread is especially good on steep descents— where most serious falls occur. On dodgy downhills, it's not unusual for me to pass hikers half my age because this tread provides much better traction on steep and loose surfaces than most hiking boots. These outsoles may be too aggressive for flat trails (where the heel brake feels awkward) and aren't the best match for slick rock. But they excel on scree, snow, loose rocks, and steeper terrain.
Winter hike on the Mid-State Trail in Oboz Bridger hiking boots
Weather Protection
GOOD
Oboz has kept their costs down by using their own proprietary waterproofing, Oboz BDry. In my experience, B-Dry membranes are respectable. However, they're not as reliable or as breathable as GORE-TEX or eVent membranes. That being said, the combination of water-resistant nubuck leather and that BDry waterproof membrane adds up to good weather protection.
My first pair of Bridgers was more or less waterproof until I retired them. My second pair gradually sprung some microscopic leaks that left my feet damp (not soaked) after several miles of snow, slush, or puddles. Both pairs worked well in winter conditions, keeping my hiking feet warm and dry in snow and cold weather.
Oboz Bridger hiking boots at a whopping 1400 miles!
Durability
MOST DURABLE HIKING BOOTS I'VE OWNED
This is another area where Oboz really excels. The Oboz Bridger Mid is the most durable hiking boot that I've ever owned. My first pair (on the left) lasted approximately 1400 miles! Meanwhile, my second pair outlasted all the other boots on my list of the best hiking boots by hundreds of miles. The Bridger's nubuck leather wears well, and its rugged outsoles may get nicked up over time, but they still maintain enough tread to keep hiking long after the average hiking boot would have retired.
Value
VERY GOOD
For me, the Oboz Bridger Mid is one of the better values in hiking boots. It checks in with a moderate price (by hiking boot standards) even though it's got great build quality and durability. It works for both day hiking and backpacking. Plus, the mid-weight Bridger may last twice as long as the average hiking boot and quadruple the mileage of lightweight trail running shoes. That makes them less expensive in the long run— and not as hard on the environment. With hiking boot prices spiking, the Bridger offers very good value for men and women who hike.
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Oboz Bridger: Pros vs Cons
The Oboz Bridger may be a good hiking boot for you if it fits your feet and matches your hiking style. Towards that end, here's a quick overview of the boot's pros and cons:
Overall Recommendation:
Overall, the Oboz Bridger Mid makes my short list of the best mid-weight hiking boots. If they fit you well, Bridgers may be a strong choice for
Are you still on the fence? You can learn more about the brand in my Oboz brand review. If you're not feeling the Bridger, no problem. You may find a better fit for your feet and hikes on my curated list of the best hiking boots.
Or has this Oboz Bridger review sold you on the Bridger? If so, please consider purchasing your new pair from the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). That's how I pay for this site (and get a couple shillings back for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the right hiking boots or shoes). If this site hooked you up, please consider hooking me up, too. (Or at least hit that *like* or *share* button below.) Thanks, I appreciate it!
Happy hiking—in whatever hiking boot or hiking shoe you choose!
